Joe Livoti: Lessons

JOE LIVOTI TEACHING OUTLINE

BEGINNERS: At the beginning level techniques covered will include basic strumming for 4/4 and 3/4 time, first position chords, blues and rock scales in first position as well as finger exercises, popular riffs and songs. Students are encouraged to list their favorite songs and bands and we will apply the students growing skills to material they are familiar with. At the beginning level, the emphasis is on developing good playing technique and habits, so that the student will be able to progress smoothly through the more advanced levels.

INTERMEDIATE: Material at this level includes more advanced right hand techniques such as brush strums, fingerpicking and eight-beat strums. We also will begin improvising over basic blues and rock progressions. Students will then be taught bar chords and movable blues and rock scales. Basic scale theory follows and students will learn the construction of triads, arpeggios, major scales and note relationships. Along the way we will also learn and dissect solos and techniques of established players and try to incorporate these into the student's playing. At this point students will also benefit by learning note reading at least in the first position.

ADVANCED: By now the student should be comfortable enough with basic guitar techniques to fit comfortably into most playing situations. Indeed by now many students find that they have achieved their playing goals and do not desire any further study. For students who wish to continue, however, or for older, experienced players who feel as if their playing has become stagnant, this is where the real fun begins. Chord techniques studied at the advanced level include extended and altered chords, inversions, chord melodies, substitution and embellishment, chord solos and the construction of bass lines with chord punctuations.

Students will build their own chord melodies from basic melodies and then compare their arrangements with those of established players. Scale studies at this level will include advanced scales and modes, extended and altered arpeggios, soloing over chord changes and the examination of solos by established jazz players. We may also study some classical music along the way with an emphasis on understanding the melodic line and its relationship to the chord structure. At every step of the way I will make sure that the student fully understands the theoretical concepts involved and is able to incorporate each concept into his or her own playing.

FEES AND SCHEDULING;

At House of Woodwinds, fees are currently $35 per half hour. Four week months are $140, five week months are $175.

At my home in Concord, lessons are $30 per half hour, pay as you go, with a one or two day advance booking. Lessons are available most weekday and Saturday mornings.

If you'd like to sign up for lessons, please email me your name, phone #, where you wish to take lessons and when you are available. Myschedule changes frequently so if nothing is available right away, something may open up soon.

Thanks for your interest in lessons and I hope your playing and learning experiences are positive ones. I welcome and encourage yourfeedback.

MATERIALS AND PRACTICING: Students will need to bring their guitars, a bound, 'journal' style notebook with regular lined paper, and a 3ring binder with 1" rings and pockets. A small recording device can also be helpful. Students should also own a music stand, metronomeand electronic guitar tuner.

Beginners should plan to practice at least 15 minutes a day, at least five days a week. It helps to write your practice schedule down in thebeginning of the week, so it's not put off till the last thing of the day. Keep a practice space set up so you can sit and play without having togather all your materials each time. A guitar stand is also helpful, as well as a comfortable, armless chair. Get in the habit of washing yourhands before you play, and wipe down the strings afterwards. This will help preserve string life.

GUITAR LESSON AGREEMENT INSTRUCTOR - JOE LIVOTI

FEES: ARE PAYABLE IN FULL AT THE FIRST LESSON OF EACH MONTH.

FIVE WEEK MONTHS WILL BE PAYABLE FOR FIVE WEEKS. IF YOU MISS THE FIRST LESSON OF THE MONTH, PLEASE BRING OR MAILPAYMENT TO THE STORE BY THE SECOND WEEK. NON-PAYMENT BEYOND THE SECOND WEEK OF LESSONS MAY RESULT IN FORFEITURE OF THESPOT.LESSON FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. STUDENTS ARE ASKED TO GIVE TWO WEEKS NOTICE ON VACATING A SPOT IN ORDER TOFACILITATE SCHEDULING.

MISSED LESSONS: MAKEUPS ARE AVAILABLE IF I AM CONTACTED BEFORE 12:00 P.M. ON A LESSON DAY. IT IS BEST TO EMAIL ME WITHYOUR AVAILABILITY FOR MAKEUPS, AND I WILL CONTACT YOU AS OPENINGS OCCUR. HOWEVER, I DO NOT GUARANTEE MAKEUPS FORMISSED LESSONS. STUDENTS ARE ADVISED TO CHOOSE A SPOT THAT WILL WORK FOR THEM ON A CONSISTENT BASIS. FEESGUARANTEE A SPOT BEING HELD FOR THE MONTH.MISSED LESSONS CANNOT BE DEDUCTED FROM PAYMENTS.

IF I MISS A LESSON, THE STUDENT CAN SCHEDULE A MAKEUP OR DEDUCT THE WEEKS FEE. STUDENTS ARE ADVISED TO CALL MEREGARDING MISSED LESSONS AND NO-SHOWS TO CONFIRM THEIR INTENTION TO KEEP THEIR SPOT. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONSREGARDING THIS AGREEMENT, OR NEED TO CONTACT ME FOR ANY REASON, I CAN BE REACHED AT: